By Maritza Dominguez | AZ Central
Tempe and Mesa are slated to join forces with Valley Metro to study the extension of the streetcar along Rio Salado Parkway and Dobson Road, a move that Mesa officials contend is critical to meet an overwhelming transit need in the western part of that city.
The trolley-like system has seen a boom in popularity since it opened in Tempe last year. The ridership figures quadrupled between May and November, for example, and city staffers say it’s a particularly important transportation option during event periods when certain streets are shut down.